14-year-old killed in a Mississippi ski accident

IUKA, Miss.(VDN)—A 14-year-old Mississippi teenager was killed in a ski accident over the Memorial Day weekend. The accident happened in Iuka, Mississippi, at Goat Island. 

Lt. John McFerrin of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks identified the deceased as Jackson Marlar. It was reported that two jets collided and Marlar died at a hospital in Hardin County, Tennessee.

Marlar was a student in the Corinth School District.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of one of our students, Jackson Marlar,” the school district released in a statement. “We are heartbroken by this loss, and we grieve with his family and friends.”

“In times like these, we must continue to come together and support each other as the Corinth community. At this time, we are respecting the family’s privacy and their time to grieve. If there is something we can do to assist the family as a community, we will communicate that information to you.”

“We are deeply saddened by this loss and will make every effort to continue to look after and care for one another.”

Marlar’s funeral was held Wednesday at the First Methodist Church of Corinth with interment in Harmony Baptist Church in Walnut.

Obituary:

Jackson Thomas Marlar, 14, of Corinth, MS was born on May 6, 2011, and passed away on May 23, 2025. He was joyful and had a positive influence on everyone around him during his brief yet impactful life.

Jackson was a member of the First Methodist Church of Corinth, where he took pride in serving as a greeter and usher on Sunday mornings. He greeted each person with a genuine smile and a firm handshake or warm hug.

Jackson was a student at Corinth Middle School where he was selected by faculty to serve as a school ambassador for the Leadership Alcorn visit. Jackson always prioritized his academic achievements and was often recognized for his outstanding performance in the classroom. He received awards in 2024 for Science and English (ELA) and in 2025 he received first place in History. Jackson finished both years on the all-A honor roll.

Jackson was a member of the Corinth Middle School baseball team, where he played 3rd base, outfield, pitcher, and designated hitter. The team finished the 2025 season as conference co-champions. He was also a member of the Corinth Middle School Football team as an offensive lineman and recently started training for the position of center. The team was undefeated for 2023 and 2024, finishing as Big Ten champions. Jackson was also a member of the Corinth Cubs travel ball team where he played 3rd base, outfield, and pitcher. As a member of the Corinth Cubs, Jackson recently achieved his first out-of-the-park home run.

Jackson was a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 27 where he had achieved the rank of Life Scout. He was actively pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout. Among other accomplishments as a scout, Jackson served as a patrol leader, completed many scouting requirements, and numerous hours volunteering, including Austin’s Shoes Run with Rotary 5k and the Christmas Basket program. On January 7, 2025, he joined his troop at the opening of the legislative session for the state of Mississippi by presenting colors and leading all members in the Pledge of Allegiance. He was affectionately known as “Burger” among his fellow scouts.

Former teachers have shared their thoughts about Jackson:

“He wanted to help his classmates whenever he could, so much so that I had to tell him that the other students had to do the work on their own. His work ethic was incredible. He was just SO smart. He had a mischievous smile. It always looked like he was hiding a giggle. You couldn’t help but smile back at him. He often seemed like he was on a mission. He was silly. He was funny. He was kind. He was a good kid.” -Mrs. Abby Null Smith

“Jackson was truly a ray of sunshine, always filled with such joy and a loving, kind spirit…I can vividly picture him and his brother, Hilton, giggling as they built their magnificent forts, or the endless games of hide-and-seek where, without fail, I was always the one left searching for them! Those moments were pure magic, and they speak volumes about the happy, playful boy he was and the beautiful bond he shared with his brother.” -Ms. Kim Jones

“Heartbroken over this! He was such a great student and an even better kid. I don’t have the words to ease your pain but know that Jackson was one of the best. He made my job as a teacher a lot easier. So very honored to have had the opportunity to teach him. This one hurts. “ -Coach Maggie Vondenstein

“Hurt. I expected to spend my week with you next week, Jackson. You wanted all of your grades in before the final week. I said, ‘Now Jackson, your mom has to come to work, so you will be with me all next week!’ You smiled and agreed as you usually do. I want to beat something, but all I can do is cry. A hard worker, and a true light from above. I am lucky to have met a student like you. Jackson, you have your big house that you used to talk about in class. It’s a mansion in the sky. Watch over us until we meet again, Burger. As you would say ‘Ms. Shinault, yes, call me Burger.’ I love you endlessly.” – Ms. TyRhonda Shinault

Jackson Marlar is survived by his parents Joshua and Candace Jackson Marlar of Corinth, MS, and one brother Hilton James Marlar, age 10. Grandparents are Bob Marlar of Walnut, MS, and Dr. William and Mrs. Linda Gene Jackson of Corinth. Aunts and uncles include Lindsey Jackson (Robert Cooper) of Lebanon, NH, and Morgan Jackson Williams (Kevin) of Corinth. Cousins are Eleanor and John Francis Williams, as well as a host of great aunts, great uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends who he adored.

Jackson Marlar was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Judy F. Marlar and maternal great grandparents Mr. W.C. “Candyman” and Mrs. Lula H. “Patty” Jackson of Walnut and Mr. Hubert “T.” and Eva Gene “Budjie” Christian of Clinton, MS, as well as his paternal great grandparents Mr. R.G. and Mrs. Mattie Marlar of Oak Ridge, TN and great uncle Dr. Jim “Doc” Jackson of Corinth.

Pallbearers include Kevin Williams, Andrew “Bubba” Labas, Christian Albarracin, Justin Ashmore, Mark Matthews, Jeremy Hudson, Dr. Jim Gilmore, and Mike Shook.

Honorary Pallbearers for Jackson will be members of the Crossroads Cubs, Boy Scout Troop 27, CMS & CHS Baseball, and CMS & CHS Football. Jackson loved his teammates.